2 dead after shooter opens fire at Kentucky church
A man shot a Kentucky trooper, then fled to a nearby church where he opened fire, killing two people, on Sunday, July 13. According to Kentucky State Police, the suspect was shot and killed at the Richmond Road Baptist Church in Lexington. KSP reported the trooper is receiving medical attention.
During a press conference, Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers said the Kentucky State Trooper had pulled over a vehicle near the airport after receiving a license plate reader alert. As the trooper approached the car, he was shot by the suspect. The suspect fled the scene. A short time later, the suspect carjacked another car. No injuries were reported in this incident.
Weathers reported that Lexington police tracked the suspect to the church. The suspect then fired his weapon at people on the church property. Four people were shot at the church. Two female victims were pronounced dead at the scene. The other two victims, both male, were transported to a local hospital. One victim sustained critical injuries, and the other was reported in stable condition. The suspect was shot by responding Lexington Police and pronounced dead at the scene. Preliminary information indicates that the suspect may have had a connection to the individuals at the church, Weathers said.
The two women who were shot and killed by the suspect at the scene were identified as 72-year-old Beverly Gunn and 32-year-old Christina Combs. The suspect’s name has not been released pending family notification.
“Something like this has a huge impact on our community. I know when people hear about stuff like this,
they want, maybe need, some kind of understanding, and I think the city is going to stand ready with ONE Lexington to help provide assistance to those who are struggling with it,” Weathers said. “Sometimes things happen. We just don’t have a reason why, but we’re going to be here for the people of Lexington.”
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear posted on X about the deaths.
“Please pray for everyone affected by these senseless acts of violence, and let’s give thanks for the swift response by the Lexington Police Department and Kentucky State Police,” he wrote.
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., also shared his sentiments on social media.
“Kelley and I are praying for all the victims, the injured trooper, and their families,” Paul wrote. “We are grateful for the brave first responders. Violence like this has no place in Kentucky.”
This is a developing story and will be updated as new information becomes available.
Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
